Remembering Dr. Edward F. Hayes

This Annual Forum is in Honor of Dr. Edward F. Hayes (1941-1998)

Dr. Hayes was born on September 8, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland. After receiving a Baccalaureate degree from the University of Rochester and Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Johns Hopkins University, he joined the faculty at Rice University. Since July 1991 he served as Vice President for Research at The Ohio State University and Professor of Chemistry. He was an exemplar of the highest ideals for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service who continued to teach chemistry and maintained an active, productive research program during his tenure as Vice President for Research.

Dr. Hayes was an internationally distinguished scientist whose particular research interest was in molecular electronic structure theory, molecular scattering theory, and parallel computing methods. Dr. Hayes created the Undergraduate Research Forum, strongly supported the Graduate Research Forum and spearheaded the launching of the Science and Technology Campus (formerly Research Park). He served in several prominent administrative roles for the National Science Foundation and the Office of Management and Budget. In addition, he served on several advisory committees and chaired the National Science Foundation Task Force on the Future of the Supercomputer Centers Program.

Vice President Hayes served in leadership roles in scientific societies, including extensive work for the American Chemical Society, the American Physical Society, and as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Hayes also gave exemplary service to several local and statewide advisory boards, including the Ohio Science and Technology Council, The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation, and the Ohio Aerospace Institute.

Dr. Hayes was highly respected for the principled, intelligent, thoughtful and positive manner in which he approached all matters before him; he was frequently sought out for his wise counsel; and he extended grace, kindness, and appreciation to all who interacted with him. Dr. Hayes set a high standard in both his professional and personal life that will continue to be a model for us all. He continues to be sadly missed by this university community and by those who were privileged to know him as a colleague and a friend. 

(Photo Courtesy of University Photo Archives)

(Biography Courtesy of OSU Board of Trustees Resolution No. 98-134)